Wooden Snake Charmer

A wooden carving of a male snake charmer. He wears a headdress and a stiff leather girdle and neckpiece, called kololewengoi in Mende, and is holding a snake in either hand. This figure is likely to have been carved as a representation of a snake charmer, or dancer, rather than for any ritual significance. It is one of a number of similar figures, that seem to have been carved by the same carver or in the same workshop. The name of the carver is thought to be Sogande, who was active in the 1930s.

Further Information

  • Type: Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Wooden Snake Charmer
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 600mm [L] x 240mm [W] x 230mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1938
  • Associated Places: Tasso;Bum Kittam
  • Associated People: J. E. Wills
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1938.216.5

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